Before owning his PrideStaff franchise in Northwest Cincinnati, John Gemrich had always wanted to be an entrepreneur. His past careers in restaurant management and financial services created a solid foundation of skills that he could apply to his own business. As Gemrich approached his 50th birthday, he knew the time had come to fulfill his dream of owning a business. By Kelsi Trinidad
by Rose Mango
Shane and Tiffany Ogle
Mobility City
Shane Ogle was a public safety officer when an injury caused him to pivot as that career came to an end. Shane still desired to serve his community and was on a mission to find the best way to do that. Having a clear understanding of wheelchair life after caring for his Grandparents, “I witnessed firsthand how debilitating mobility issues can be while caring for my grandparents,” Shane and Tiffany approached A Mobility City franchise and found it was just the ticket to a new life for both of them.
Together they invested in Mobility City in East Tennessee and serve customers in Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Hancock, Jefferson, Knox, Sevier,
Scott and Union County. The Ogle family were thrilled to have found a unique way to help people and the additional benefit to owning a franchise is they were able to bring their son Nick and daughter Madison on board, and now has become a family run business.
“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to continue helping others after more than two decades as an officer. I wanted to work for myself in a field where I could continue to serve my community.” Shane went on to say that meeting Diane and Vinny Baratta, CEO’s and Founders of Mobility City, inspired the Ogles to jump in and become the first Mobility City franchisee. “The Baratta’s have more than 35 years of experience!” said Ogle. They have plans to expand Mobility City together.
The Mobility City franchise services, rents, repairs and sells mobility equipment, including power wheelchairs, scooters,
lift-out recliners, hospital beds, manual wheelchairs rollators/walkers and bathroom aids. Mobility City is also a retail dealer for major brands. It offers warranty and non-warranty repairs even for items purchased elsewhere.
Shane also said that referrals and repeat customers are vital to his business, noting that he and he and his family take great joy in getting to know their customers and serving their clients on a long-term basis.
If you are interested in making a difference in your community and make money doing it then Mobility City is for you, they have great territories available. For more information, visit www.mobilitycity.com or call 954-771-7555.
by Rose Mango
Shane and Tiffany Ogle
Mobility City
Shane Ogle was a public safety officer when an injury caused him to pivot as that career came to an end. Shane still desired to serve his community and was on a mission to find the best way to do that. Having a clear understanding of wheelchair life after caring for his Grandparents, “I witnessed firsthand how debilitating mobility issues can be while caring for my grandparents,” Shane and Tiffany approached A Mobility City franchise and found it was just the ticket to a new life for both of them.
Together they invested in Mobility City in East Tennessee and serve customers in Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Hamblen, Hancock, Jefferson, Knox, Sevier,
Scott and Union County. The Ogle family were thrilled to have found a unique way to help people and the additional benefit to owning a franchise is they were able to bring their son Nick and daughter Madison on board, and now has become a family run business.
“I feel blessed to have the opportunity to continue helping others after more than two decades as an officer. I wanted to work for myself in a field where I could continue to serve my community.” Shane went on to say that meeting Diane and Vinny Baratta, CEO’s and Founders of Mobility City, inspired the Ogles to jump in and become the first Mobility City franchisee. “The Baratta’s have more than 35 years of experience!” said Ogle. They have plans to expand Mobility City together.
The Mobility City franchise services, rents, repairs and sells mobility equipment, including power wheelchairs, scooters,
lift-out recliners, hospital beds, manual wheelchairs rollators/walkers and bathroom aids. Mobility City is also a retail dealer for major brands. It offers warranty and non-warranty repairs even for items purchased elsewhere.
Shane also said that referrals and repeat customers are vital to his business, noting that he and he and his family take great joy in getting to know their customers and serving their clients on a long-term basis.
If you are interested in making a difference in your community and make money doing it then Mobility City is for you, they have great territories available. For more information, visit www.mobilitycity.com or call 954-771-7555.
by Rose Mango
As I mentioned in my letter to our readers, Sports & Fitness is booming in 2019 and is just going to continue to grow explosively.
That said, I had the pleasure of interviewing Christina Peregrym, owner of Jabz Boxing located in North Phoenix, AZ, and the newest location now being built in Peoria, AZ. Her excitement was infectious, and her love for this “Boutique” style franchise was palatable. Her journey to ownership was not your typical one, but through determination and perseverance, she achieved her goal of owning a franchise. Proving once again, you can achieve whatever you put your mind to. Christina mentioned that being a wife and a mother is her top priority, but reaching her dream stayed well in focus.
Christina had an exciting entrance to boxing fitness. It all started with a Groupon. Yes, that’s correct, a Groupon! Christina was at a place in her life where personal fitness development took priority. Wanting to be strong and healthy was important to her. With a husband and two little ones, 11 months apart in age, she began seeking out something “different.” That something different turned out to be Jabz Boxing Fitness For Women. With her Groupon purchase in hand, she entered the Jabz Boxing of Scottsdale, AZ and was smitten.
Fast forward to today, Christina not only owns one Jabz Boxing franchise, but she has also now begun breaking ground on her second. She said what made everything work was to make sure she had a plan and followed it. Staying focused on every task at hand was the path to success for Christina. She attributes the majority of her success to the Jabz Boxing Franchise team.
They give you the game plan and an incredibly strong foundation to stand on at the start and see you all the way through. She said, “they give you the tools to succeed, but at the end of the day, it is up to the owner to choose whether or not to use them and become successful.” Christina went on to say that there are so many franchise owners out there that don’t want to put in the work and they soon find out that when you don’t, it cannot succeed.
Christina said that one of the crucial steps into success is time management. Managing the staff, phone calls, emails, marketing, and social media is paramount. Included in that is balancing family as well and making sure they know they are a priority at the end of the day. It’s a challenge, but it can be victorious!
The most rewarding part of owning a franchise is the ability to make a positive impact on the lives of the women that walk in the door. There are so many stories to be told about the women that attend our Jabz Boxing location in North Phoenix. Many women have gone through a divorce; some have battled with illnesses; some are merely trying to get strong. They all come from so many different walks of life. We have a young woman that is 16 and wants to be surrounded by women who make her feel good about herself. We have a client who is 72 who works out six days a week. No matter what their age, they come together for the same goal. It’s not just to get in shape; it’s about empowering and encouraging one another and build a community which is Christina’s favorite part.
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by Rose Mango
As I mentioned in my letter to our readers, Sports & Fitness is booming in 2019 and is just going to continue to grow explosively.
That said, I had the pleasure of interviewing Christina Peregrym, owner of Jabz Boxing located in North Phoenix, AZ, and the newest location now being built in Peoria, AZ. Her excitement was infectious, and her love for this “Boutique” style franchise was palatable. Her journey to ownership was not your typical one, but through determination and perseverance, she achieved her goal of owning a franchise. Proving once again, you can achieve whatever you put your mind to. Christina mentioned that being a wife and a mother is her top priority, but reaching her dream stayed well in focus.
Christina had an exciting entrance to boxing fitness. It all started with a Groupon. Yes, that’s correct, a Groupon! Christina was at a place in her life where personal fitness development took priority. Wanting to be strong and healthy was important to her. With a husband and two little ones, 11 months apart in age, she began seeking out something “different.” That something different turned out to be Jabz Boxing Fitness For Women. With her Groupon purchase in hand, she entered the Jabz Boxing of Scottsdale, AZ and was smitten.
Fast forward to today, Christina not only owns one Jabz Boxing franchise, but she has also now begun breaking ground on her second. She said what made everything work was to make sure she had a plan and followed it. Staying focused on every task at hand was the path to success for Christina. She attributes the majority of her success to the Jabz Boxing Franchise team.
They give you the game plan and an incredibly strong foundation to stand on at the start and see you all the way through. She said, “they give you the tools to succeed, but at the end of the day, it is up to the owner to choose whether or not to use them and become successful.” Christina went on to say that there are so many franchise owners out there that don’t want to put in the work and they soon find out that when you don’t, it cannot succeed.
Christina said that one of the crucial steps into success is time management. Managing the staff, phone calls, emails, marketing, and social media is paramount. Included in that is balancing family as well and making sure they know they are a priority at the end of the day. It’s a challenge, but it can be victorious!
The most rewarding part of owning a franchise is the ability to make a positive impact on the lives of the women that walk in the door. There are so many stories to be told about the women that attend our Jabz Boxing location in North Phoenix. Many women have gone through a divorce; some have battled with illnesses; some are merely trying to get strong. They all come from so many different walks of life. We have a young woman that is 16 and wants to be surrounded by women who make her feel good about herself. We have a client who is 72 who works out six days a week. No matter what their age, they come together for the same goal. It’s not just to get in shape; it’s about empowering and encouraging one another and build a community which is Christina’s favorite part.
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First-to-Market Yoga Franchise Aims to Re-Popularize Ancient Practice; Capitalize on Untapped Segment of Boutique Fitness Industry
IRVINE, Calif. — YogaSix, a modern fitness boutique offering a fresh perspective on one of the world’s oldest practices, announced today the next step in expanding its unmatched mind-body experience with the launch of its franchise opportunity. With seven open studios and another 50 units sold thus far, the brand is on pace to meet its goal of opening 300 locations across the U.S. over the next few years. Upcoming studio openings include Albuquerque, New Mexico which is slated to open in February 2019 and the brand’s corporate studio in Yorba Linda, California, set to open in March 2019.
Backed by powerhouse boutique fitness curator Xponential Fitness, YogaSix aims to debunk the stereotype that often surrounds the practice of yoga and deliver its life-enhancing benefits to all ages, shapes, sizes and genders. Utilizing modern language instead of Sanskrit and offering six core formats – Y6 101, Y6 Stretch, Y6 Slow Flow, Y6 Hot, Y6 Power, and Y6 Sculpt Flow – YogaSix’s classes are meant to encompass every fitness level, whether the focus is on deep stretching, stress relief, or breaking a sweat.
“Many people have come to see yoga as either exclusive, confusing or tiresome, but at YogaSix we are breathing new life into the practice,” said Lindsay Junk, President of the company. “Our mission at YogaSix is to change the way people think about and understand yoga, and give them a mind body-experience that is empowering, energizing and most importantly, fun.”
Developed in San Diego in 2012, YogaSix quickly gained popularity as it spread to New Mexico and the Midwest. With thousands of students visiting per week, YogaSix is already changing the way people experience yoga and will continue to do so as the first-to-market yoga franchise. Backed by two decades of fitness franchising experience and a corporate team that will provide significant support for site selection, build out, marketing, retail, sales and operations, as well as extensive training, YogaSix is primed for expansion. The brand is seeking qualified franchise partners with a passion for fitness and health and who exhibit strong leadership and business skills.
“As the boutique fitness industry continues to explode with vigorous, high-intensity workouts, YogaSix offers a unique business opportunity and the first of its kind in the franchising space,” adds Lindsay Junk. “YogaSix delivers a workout from which anyone can benefit, so we’re excited to spread our take on yoga across the nation.”
YogaSix offers franchise partners the opportunity to capitalize on a fresh brand in an emerging market with tremendous support, infrastructure and knowledge. The total investment to open a YogaSix franchise is $216,900 – $399,750. For more information on the YogaSix franchise opportunity, please visit www.yogasix.com.
Founded in 2012 in San Diego, YogaSix is a boutique yoga brand that offers a broad range of heated and non-heated yoga classes, boot camp style fitness classes and meditation. Class formats include Y6 101, Y6 Stretch, Y6 Slow Flow, Y6 Hot, Y6 Power, and Y6 Sculpt Flow. Visit www.yogasix.com to learn more.
Founded in 2017 by Anthony Geisler, Xponential Fitness is the curator of the best brands across every vertical in the boutique fitness space – including Pilates, indoor cycling, stretch, rowing, dance and yoga. Currently, Xponential Fitness’ portfolio of brands includes Club Pilates, the nation’s largest and fastest growing Pilates franchise; CycleBar, the first and only premium indoor cycling franchise; StretchLab, a concept offering one-on-one assisted stretching services and group stretch services; Row House, a high-energy, low-impact indoor rowing workout; AKT, a dance-based cardio workout combining toning, interval & circuit training developed by Celebrity Trainer Anna Kaiser; YogaSix, a modern boutique yoga brand; Pure Barre, a total body workout that uses the ballet barre to perform small, isometric movements. Visit www.xponential.com to learn more.
BALTIMORE, MD—PRNewswire
The technology divide between older and younger generations may not be as wide as you think. According to a recent survey of 1,000 seniors issued by Senior Helpers®, the nation’s premier provider of in-home senior care, more than 68 percent of people ages 65+ rate their technology skills either average or above average. The survey, which examined seniors’ attitudes on everything from apps and internet usage to social media habits, also found that while most would not consider themselves “tech-savvy” (71 percent), nearly 60 percent of seniors think younger generations underestimate their knowledge and aptitude for technology.
“Technology is constantly evolving, but seniors are much more adept at using tech than many people give them credit for,” said Peter Ross, CEO and co-founder, Senior Helpers. “It’s become integral to so many other aspects of their lives, they are embracing it.”
The study findings show that about 39 percent of seniors utilize technology to help them get things done more efficiently, while 31 percent embrace it as a matter of “pure survival.” Senior Helpers’ survey also highlights more about how senior citizens are using technology:
When asked what tech innovation they couldn’t live without, 29 percent of senior respondents reported a cell phone. Most (nearly 70 percent) use a smart phone, and 38 percent use an iPhone. However, 13 percent still don’t own a cell phone.
TV followed closely at 27 percent, with iPad/tablet (almost 11 percent), CD/MP3 players/stereos (6 percent) and GPS (4.5 percent) trailing further behind.
Thirty-two percent of seniors spend more than 20 hours a week on the internet, with 10 percent of those online for 40-plus hours per week.
More than half of seniors use Facebook as their social media site of choice. Less than 8 percent of seniors combined favor Pinterest, Instagram or Twitter.
When it comes to app usage, seniors use social media apps the most (almost 23 percent), followed by maps/navigation services (17 percent), online banking (14 percent) and games (8 percent).
When asked in a lighthearted way what movie best describes their relationship with technology, 28 percent of participants said Beauty and the Beast “because they had to warm up to it.” Another 28 percent noted Mission Impossible because they “can’t keep up.” Others likened it to Fight Club, admitting they “don’t like it but use it” (24 percent); or Cheaper by the Dozen, appearing to welcome technology (“Give me more gadgets!” at 19 percent).
Founded in 2001 with a vision to help seniors who wish to remain in their homes – despite age-related illnesses and mobility challenges – Senior Helpers serves elderly individuals and their families around the world. Senior Helpers differentiates itself with its proprietary, specialized programs that have been developed in collaboration with leading medical experts. The company was the first provider in the industry to offer specialized care services for individuals with Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
For more information about Senior Helpers, visit http://www.seniorhelpers.com.
About Senior Helpers
Senior Helpers is a premier in-home senior care provider in the U.S. with over 311 franchised businesses operating across the globe. Founded in 2001 with a vision to help seniors who wish to remain in their homes despite age-related illnesses and mobility challenges, Senior Helpers has now cared for tens of thousands of seniors with a pledge to provide “care and comfort at a moment’s notice.” Senior Helpers offers a wide range of personal care and companion services, including trained Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s care, to assist seniors who wish to live independently. Learn more by visiting http://www.seniorhelpers.com.
IRVINE, CA—GLOBE NEWSWIRE
Realty ONE Group, the fifth-largest independent real estate brand and one of the fastest-growing real estate franchisors in the nation, has launched its largest advertising campaign to date with a historic media blast throughout New York City’s iconic Times Square district.
This historic advertising campaign will connect Realty ONE Group with thousands of real estate professionals, while simultaneously bringing high-level attention to the brand’s “coolture” and untraditional business model. The campaign is also pushing the envelope as it correlates with the start of Inman Connect, an industry conference of more than 4,000 real estate and technology professionals hosted at Marriott Marquis Times Square, Jan. 22-26, 2018.
“No real estate company has ever booked multiple screens at this exclusive location, and we are thrilled to be the first,” said Kuba Jewgieniew, CEO and founder of Realty ONE Group. “The content features real people, which is a critical objective for us – to connect with everyday real estate professionals and help them evolve into the rock stars of the industry.”
The advertising campaign includes five unique 15-second videos that will broadcast on digital billboards above Times Square – and the conference itself – a total of 20,000 times during the week. It is the largest coordinated advertising campaign in Times Square ever purchased by a real estate company.
Based in Irvine, Calif., Jewgieniew has built Realty ONE Group into a national company of more than 110 locations and 10,000 real estate professionals who generated a total of $21 billion in sales volume in 2017. A key factor in its success is the company’s YOU-First Focus—putting their real estate professionals first by engaging in high-tech partnerships, providing industry-leading branding support, and a unique and untraditional business model.
“We know how important these real estate conferences are for agents who are looking to expand their networks, so we are positioning ourselves to be as accessible as possible,” Jewgieniew added. “Real estate professionals know that they can and will benefit from our UNbrokerage business model, and that no other real estate company offers a company COOLTURE that focuses on having fun while being successful.”
Very recently, Realty ONE Group was ranked by Entrepreneur magazine as a Top 5 real estate franchise in the publication’s Franchise 500 list. Swanepoel Power 200 also named Jewgieniew one of the Top 20 most powerful people in the residential real estate brokerage industry, as well as the Top 5 SP 200 Power Brokers.
About Realty ONE Group
One-hundred percent family-owned and debt-free, Realty ONE Group was founded in 2005 and is proudly known as the industry’s premier UNbrokerage. Realty ONE Group has rapidly evolved with over 10,000 real estate professionals in 110 offices across 26 states. Ranked in the top one percent in the nation by REAL Trends, recognized by Entrepreneur Magazine as a Top 5 Real Estate Franchise, and landing a coveted spot on the Inc. 500 Fastest-Growing Companies list for seven consecutive years, Realty ONE Group has been surging ahead, opening doors, not only for its clients but also for its real estate professionals and franchise owners. To learn more about the UNbrokerage, visit www.realtyonegroup.com/unbrokerage/. If you are interested in learning about owning a franchise, visit http://ownaone.com/
GALLATIN, TN—Marketwired
SERVPRO has extended its sponsorship with the PGA Tour through the 2020 season, retaining its designation as the official cleanup and restoration company of both the PGA Tour and the Champions Tour according to Sue Steen, Servpro Industries, Inc., chief executive officer. SERVPRO’s first event of the 2018 PGA Tour season tees up this week with the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course.
“The entire SERVPRO family is proud to be associated with the prestigious and well-respected PGA Tour,” said Steen. “This sponsorship allows us to showcase our capabilities not only to the communities where PGA events are held, but also to the huge television and online audience that follows the Tour. Both individual property owners and commercial facility owners will have the opportunity to learn about SERVPRO and the services offered as they enjoy watching the world’s best players compete on the world’s most beautiful golf courses.”
Steen reveals that SERVPRO will have a presence at several PGA Tour tournaments in 2018, including The Players Championship and The TOUR Championship. “In addition, we plan to be involved with First Responder events throughout the PGA Tour year,” said Steen.
“SERVPRO is a national leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services, but each SERVPRO Franchise is a local business, operated by a local business person with ties to the community he or she serves,” says Steen. “The wide and growing audience the PGA Tour commands will learn a SERVPRO professional is available in their local community, ready to respond at a moment’s notice if things go wrong at their home or business.”
SERVPRO specializes in disaster restoration, cleanup and repair services, helping to remediate damage, making it “Like it never even happened” for both commercial and residential customers. For more information on SERVPRO please visit www.servpro.com/.
About SERVPRO®
Founded in 1967, the SERVPRO® Franchise System is a leader and provider of fire and water cleanup and restoration services and mold mitigation and remediation. SERVPRO’s professional services network of more than 1,700 individually owned and operated Franchises responds to property damage emergencies ranging from small individual disasters to multi-million dollar large-loss events. Providing coverage in the United States and Canada, the SERVPRO® System has established relationships with major insurance companies and commercial clients, as well as individual homeowners.
Contact:
Kim Kramer Brooks
Corporate Communications Coordinator
Servpro Industries, Inc.
(615) 451-0200 ext. 1644
kbrooks@servpronet.com
ST. LOUIS, MO—PRNewswire
Love and hugs abound at Build-A-Bear Workshop®, Inc., an interactive destination where Guests can create personalized furry friends, as the company unveiled a new collection of Valentine’s Day gifts that are sweeter than ever.
Build-A-Bear Workshop® today announced a new collection of Valentine’s Day gifts that are sweeter than ever, including Make-Your-Own Sugar Scent™ furry friends that feature a sugar-scented fragrance.
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate the special people in your life – from your “better half” to your children to your best friends. At Build-A-Bear Workshop, you can make your own sweet Valentine’s Day gift – and a memory – to cherish together, complete with:
The signature Build-A-Bear Workshop heart ceremony, where you and your Valentine make a wish on a heart and place it inside your furry friend.
The opportunity to add a heartfelt message to any Build-A-Bear furry friend with a Personalized Record Your Voice™ sound chip, sharing your sentiment.
A variety of classic teddy bears, furry friends and licensed characters to choose from, with outfits and accessories that are Cupid-approved.
Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice
The new Make-Your-Own Sugar Scent™ furry friends are cuddly (calorie-free) “treats” featuring a fragrance that gets sweeter with each hug. Sugar Scent Hearts Kitty™ is a friendly 16-inch feline with adorable hearts on its fur that can be customized with a tutu, pink cupcake accessory and more. 16-inch Sugar Scent Tiny Hearts Bear™ features white fur covered in pink hearts and can be dressed in a heart skirt set and plush heart lollipop. Sugar Scent Pup™ is a 16-inch playful pup with black and white fur and adorable eyes. Add a blue “HUGS” hoodie for even more puppy love.
Each Sugar Scent furry friend is available for purchase separately in Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and online, or as part of a gift set that includes an outfit and accessories, such as a plush cupcake or lollipop, at buildabear.com. The sugar-scented fur is made possible by Celessence™ Technologies microencapsulation.
With a heart-shaped texture on its fur, the Red Hot Red Hearts Bear (available in select stores and online) is ready for hugs. An online-exclusive version of this furry friend – available at buildabear.com – can be personalized with up to three lines of embroidered text to share a message with someone special. For even “bigger” fun, check out the 3-foot Jumbo Red Hot Red Hearts Bear – available in select Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and online – as well as the online-only Personalized Jumbo Red Hot Red Hearts Bear.
Dressed to Impress: Say It with a Cute Costume
If your loved one deserves a gift that’s extra hug-worthy, a teddy bear dressed in a Cupid Costume (available online and in select stores) or the online-only Knight in Shining Armor Costume is sure to have them love-struck. The entire Build-A-Bear Workshop Valentine’s Day collection – including a Chocolate Covered Strawberry Costume – is available at buildabear.com.
Hopping for Hugs
The mischievous Peter Rabbit just hopped into Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and buildabear.com for the first time ever – weeks ahead of the release of the Peter Rabbit film! Beloved by generations of fans, this adorable furry friend loves nothing more than a good adventure. Plus, you can add Peter Rabbit’s signature blue jacket and 5-in-1 phrases – voiced by actor James Corden – to this special movie-edition bunny.
“Win” on Valentine’s Day with Gifts for your Sports-fan Sweetheart
From the NFL and NBA to over 50 college teams and more, Build-A-Bear Workshop has the perfect gift for your sports-fan Valentine. With official, team-branded furry friends – plus complementary uniforms and accessories – you can create an “athlete” that’s personalized (you can even add your voice or a favorite scent!) just for your Valentine’s Day “teammate.” Licensed sports products are available in select stores and at buildabear.com.
Charitable Gifts with Heart: Make a Donation to Make-A-Wish® at Build-A-Bear Workshop
Now through Feb. 15, 2018, U.S. Guests of Build-A-Bear Workshop can support Make-A-Wish® by making a donation in stores or online. All donations will go directly to Make-A-Wish and help grant wishes of children with critical illnesses, which can help them build physical and emotional strength.
For more information, visit buildabear.com and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
About Build-A-Bear
Founded in St. Louis in 1997, Build-A-Bear, a global brand kids love and parents trust, seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has approximately 400 stores worldwide where Guests can create customizable furry friends, including company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and China, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. The company was named to the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the ninth year in a row in 2017. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) posted a total revenue of $364.2 million in fiscal 2016. For more information, visit buildabear.com.
About Make-A-Wish
Make-A-Wish® grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Make-A-Wish is the world’s largest wish-granting organization, serving children in more than 50 countries on five continents. With the help of generous donors and more than 32,000 volunteers worldwide, Make-A-Wish grants a wish somewhere in the world every 21 minutes on average. Since 1980, it has granted more than 350,000 wishes to children around the world. For more information about Make-A-Wish International, visit worldwish.org and for more information about Make-A-Wish America, visit wish.org.
Contact:
Maria Lemakis
Build-A-Bear Workshop
(314) 423-8000, ext. 5367
MariaL@buildabear.com
ATLANTA, GA—PRNewswire
While the northeast United States braces for record-breaking winter storm conditions, residents of Puerto Rico are still struggling to return to life-as-usual two months after Category 5 Hurricane Maria devastated the island on September 20th. As of the beginning of 2018, more than 70% of residents still do not have electric power, and more than 250,000 homes that were destroyed have yet to be rebuilt. Thankfully, Church’s Chicken® has been a consistent bright spot for the people of Puerto Rico, thanks to the diligent efforts of its local franchisee, South American Restaurants Co. (SARCO). The group, which operates 110 Church’s restaurants on the island now reports that 98% of locations are open for full service – providing much-needed hot, hearty meals and clean drinking water to the thousands in need.
While many businesses have either closed or are waiting for the island to recover before resuming operations, SARCO has been active in rebuilding efforts since day 1 after the hurricane. “Following the storm, the very next day, we had people here in the office eager to go back to work at the restaurant,” explained Felipe Flores Rolón, Senior Vice President of Marketing for SARCO. “That was both exciting and unexpected – the level of commitment from our many restaurant employees. We all live here, so this is our community as well. As restaurants opened, our commitment was to serve the people—first, by having food and second, by being a place where families could come together. The food is a necessity and the place to come together is an anchor of normalcy – both give you the peace of mind and strength to go on. That is how Church’s and the people of Puerto Rico have survived and how we will all continue to rebuild together.”
The SARCO group, which has been in Puerto Rico for nearly 40 years, made several decisions along the way to prepare their restaurants for hurricane conditions that are common in the Caribbean from June through November each year. In doing so, 10 Church’s Chicken restaurants were re-opened the day after Hurricane Maria hit, and other restaurants quickly followed suit. SARCO also came to the aid of its community in the true Church’s spirit of “Stepping Up” and “Doing the Right Thing” by donating 35,000 hot meals, 120,000 bottles of water, and 50,000 gallons of diesel fuel.
“SARCO is one of the largest and most respected franchisees in our system,” said Tony Moralejo, Executive Vice President of International Business for Church’s Chicken/Texas Chicken. “Their mission is ‘To Serve Happiness in Every Meal’ and I can think of no greater demonstration of that commitment than their investment in backup generators, alternate water supplies, and programs to help displaced employees.”
“We are a brand built on doing the right thing for our employees and our communities in good times, and even more so during tough times,” said Joe Christina, Chief Executive Officer for Church’s. “The team at SARCO invested heavily in infrastructure for those ‘what if’ scenarios – and that planning has secured jobs and access to quality food in Puerto Rico in the aftermath of this extremely difficult hurricane season. I commend the entire team for their leadership and sense of urgency to do the right thing by securing the safety and welfare of our employees and their families– ultimately getting us back to business quickly and safely. In my career, I’ve never seen such an excellent example of working together.”
About South American Restaurants Corporation (SARCO)
Church’s Chicken® Puerto Rico is operated by South American Restaurants Corporation, a company of the Larrea Group. This local Group manages several restaurant chains on the island since 1978. The first Church’s restaurant on the island opened its doors in 1978 in the city of Bayamón. Puerto Rico is the only market in the world where the Church’s® chain occupies the leading position in the chicken restaurant segment. Church’s® is distinguished by its selection of fresh chicken empanadas with the unique flavor of chicharrón and its honey butter biscuits, as well as its wide menu of fresh products of the highest quality, including breakfast. Church’s mission is: “Serve joy at every meal.”
About Church’s Chicken®
Founded in San Antonio, TX in 1952 by George W. Church, Church’s Chicken® is one of the largest quick service restaurant chicken chains in the world. Church’s® specializes in Original and Spicy Chicken freshly prepared throughout the day in small batches that are hand-battered and double-breaded, Tender Strips®, honey-butter biscuits made from scratch and freshly baked, and classic, home-style sides all for a great value. Church’s® (along with its sister brand Texas Chicken® outside the Americas) has more than 1,600 locations in 27 countries and international territories and system-wide sales of more than $1 billion. For more information about Church’s Chicken® or Texas Chicken® franchising opportunities, visit http://www.churchs.com/franchise_get-started.php. For more information about Church’s Chicken visit www.churchs.com. Follow Church’s® on Facebook at www.facebook.com/churchschicken and Twitter at www.twitter.com/churchschicken.
Contact: Peyton Sadler
866.571.3449
Peyton@inklinkmarketing.com
CHICAGO, IL—GlobeNewswire
Freshii Inc., the fast-growing health and wellness brand, has released an open letter to Subway (Doctor’s Associates Inc.). Highlighting the recently reported Subway franchise partner frustrations, the letter offers a sincere proposal to Subway that aims to reignite their franchise partners’ entrepreneurial spirits. The solution proposed to Subway seeks their assistance in transitioning select Subway franchise partners to the Freshii brand – which represents the next generation of healthy food – while allowing both Freshii and Subway to continue delivering on their missions to provide healthy food, globally.
Dear Subway,
Can we talk? Major US press outlets have reported that in 2017, over 900 Subway locations closed, your store traffic decreased by 25% in the last 5 years and your franchise partners are upset, recently signing a petition protesting the $4.99 footlong promotion.
“As a business owner you’ll be in a constant race against an ever-improving marketplace.” These are the words of Fred DeLuca, the late, great Founder and CEO of Subway Restaurants and the pioneer of healthier fast food in the ‘80s and ‘90s.
At Freshii, we share Fred’s passion for the entrepreneurial spirit and the mission to serve fresh food, globally. As Freshii’s Founder & CEO, I am grateful to have met Fred and call him an inspiration.
Fred’s trailblazing spirit taught us a lot. Freshii is now the fastest-growing global restaurant brand; we opened our first several hundred restaurants faster than McDonald’s, Dominos and even Subway. Our 18 consecutive quarters of strong same store sales growth are a testament to this and have helped our franchise partners grow their sales and profits. We operate in over 15 countries today – and we are growing!
We have a sincere proposal to help Subway appeal to the next generation of fresh food lovers and your franchise partners globally.
Rather than risking the closure of another 900 Subway stores in 2018, let’s explore a partnership. Let’s work together to convert select Subway stores to Freshii restaurants. This will allow Freshii and Subway to achieve a mutually beneficial outcome: supporting entrepreneurial franchise partners and continuing to deliver on our missions.
Over time, we too plan to open thousands of restaurants around the world as we continue to deliver on our mission of making healthy food convenient and affordable for all citizens of the world. But we could get there faster together.
By allowing some of your franchise partners to convert now, we believe you’ll be creating a better business future for them. You’ll also be improving the future of your remaining franchise partners who will continue to operate their Subway restaurants in a less crowded marketplace. The health of the overall Subway system will be improved.
Will this work? We’ve already helped dozens of franchise partners from many iconic restaurant brands and global sandwich shops become successful Freshii partners—by either converting their stores or bringing the Freshii brand into their portfolio. They’re feeling re-energized as they become part of a restaurant brand built for today’s generation.
If you share Fred’s dream, you’ll be excited to share ours. If you share Fred’s passion, we’ll get along like kale and quinoa. Fred liked to spend time in our Freshii restaurants, sampling our menu and witnessing firsthand the creativity, passion and entrepreneurial spirit that makes us special. I hope your leadership team and franchise partners around the world will do the same, now!
Visit www.freshii.com/dearsubway to learn more about this opportunity.
I want your consent and I hope to hear from you soon. As Fred liked to say, “Opportunity waits for no one!”
Matthew Corrin
Founder & CEO
dearsubway@freshii.com
About Freshii
Eat. Energize. That’s the Freshii mantra. Freshii is a health-casual restaurant brand that serves fresh food designed to energize people on the go. With a diverse and completely customizable menu of breakfast, soups, salads, wraps, bowls, burritos, frozen yogurt, juices and smoothies served in an eco-friendly environment, Freshii caters to every taste and dietary preference.
Since it was founded in 2005, Freshii has opened hundreds of restaurants in cities and countries around the world. Freshii can be found in all location types from cosmopolitan cities, college campuses, suburban neighborhoods and malls to fitness clubs, airports and small towns.
Inquire about how to join the Freshii family: https://freshii.com/us/franchising.
Learn more about investing in Freshii: http://ir.freshii.com.
Learn about the Freshii brand: https://vimeo.com/195658178.
Find your nearest Freshii: http://www.freshii.com.
Follow Freshii on Twitter and Instagram: @freshii
For further information contact:
Melissa Gallagher
melissa.gallagher@freshii.com
647.302.7241
Adelaide Johnson
adelaide.johnson@freshii.com
416.894.2912